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Cats are the rulers of the internet, where they grace us lowly subjects with amusing photographs paired with silly captions. But we see cats online in other forms as well: heartwarming cat stories are shared by thousands for their ability to bring a smile to anyone's face. Here are some of our favorite recent feel-good kitty stories to warm your heart and brighten your day.

Rescue cat only falls asleep if his owner holds his paw

We're suckers for rescue cat stories. There are so many adopted cats out there that have made their owners lives a little bit more special thanks to their presence. It's hard to choose just one, but this one is just too sweet. Senior kitty Jamie was looking for a home and Sarah Dempsey was looking to feel a little less lonely. Now Jamie won't leave Sarah's side, filling her home with the warmth she was missing. And the two have already bonded in the cutest way: Sarah holds Jamie's paw or tail while he sleeps for comfort. All the more reason to rescue a cat from a shelter, and even more reason to adopt a loving senior kitty. Keep those rescue cat stories coming, internet!

Cat befriends a chipmunk

There's just something about odd animal couples that makes us happy inside. Cats and small rodents don't generally get along, but when this cat decided to befriend a chipmunk the result was adorable. As the small critter inspected the tower of fluff before him, the cat calmly lay down and allowed his new friend to climb on and nestle in. Aww!

Bionic cat gets his hind legs back thanks to science

Thanks to one amazing veterinarian, Bulgarian cat Pooh can walk again. After losing his hind legs in a car accident, the kitty received bionic legs in the first surgery of its kind performed in Europe. The surgery was performed by veterinarian Vladislav Zlatinov, and fitted Pooh with two titanium legs topped by polymer-and-rubber paws for grip. The surgery was a success and now Pooh runs around like any other cat with his awesome new legs. Next up, robocat?

Senior therapy cats cheer up seniors

It can be difficult to find a home for a senior cat, and those stuck in a shelter often don't get the love they deserve. One Ohio shelter has come up with a fantastic plan to get senior kitties some socialization and much-needed TLC by pairing them up with seniors in nursing homes. The cats and the humans give each other comfort at a time when both lack and need it most. This beautiful program is not the first of its kind, but it's a great reminder that we all need some love, no matter what species or age we are.

Cat saves his family from a fire

We've seen some heartwarming cat stories in the past few years, but they often revolve around cats fighting to survive, helping their fellow cats and animals, and just being the wonderful creatures they are. But at least one story stands out as a symbol of the bond cats and humans can form. When a fire broke out at his family's home, instead of listening to instinct and running away, the cat went to the bedroom and bit his owner to alert her. Thanks to the cat, the family escaped without any injuries.

As if we needed any more reminders that cats are amazing! What's your favorite heartwarming cat story?